Sodium Gluconate

CAS Number:

527-07-1

Chemical Name: 

Sodium Gluconate

Molecular Formula:

C6H11NaO7

Molecular Weight:

218.14 g/mol

Common Form:

White to yellowish, crystalline powder or granules. Odorless. It is the sodium salt of gluconic acid

Uses:

Sodium gluconate is a highly versatile, biodegradable chelating agent and sequestrant prized for its excellent safety profile and effectiveness in alkaline conditions, making it suitable for food, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.

Primary Applications:

· Food & Beverage Industry (E576): Used as a sequestrant, stabilizer, and acidity regulator. Prevents mineral precipitation, maintains clarity in beverages, and is a component in some dairy and meat products.

· Construction & Concrete: A primary component in concrete admixtures (retarders). It slows the setting time of concrete, allowing for better workability, finishing, and reduced cracking in hot weather or during large pours.

· Industrial Cleaning & Metal Treatment: Excellent chelating agent in alkaline derusting and cleaning solutions (e.g., for steel, aluminum). Removes scale and rust without attacking the base metal. Used in bottle washing and electroplating baths.

· Personal Care & Cosmetics: Acts as a chelating agent in shampoos, soaps, and creams to stabilize the formula by inactivating trace metals that can cause rancidity or discoloration.

· Water Treatment: Used in corrosion and scale inhibition programs for circulating water systems, particularly under high pH conditions where other sequestrants fail.

· Pharmaceuticals: Used as an excipient (chelating agent, alkalizing agent) in some formulations.

What does Sodium Gluconate do in a formulation?

• Chelating Agent / Sequestrant: Its primary function. Forms stable, water-soluble complexes with di- and trivalent metal ions (especially Ca²?, Fe²?/³?, Al³?) even in highly alkaline environments (pH >14), preventing them from causing scale, haze, or catalytic degradation.
• Retarding Agent (in Concrete): Adsorbs onto cement particles, delaying the hydration reaction and the setting process, improving concrete workability.
• Stabilizer: Enhances the shelf life and stability of products by binding pro-oxidant metals.
• pH Buffer: Helps maintain a desired pH level in solutions.
• Cleaning Boost: Enhances the performance of alkaline cleaners by preventing hard water ions from interfering with surfactants.

Safety Profile:

· Hazard Classification: Generally recognized as safe. It is non-toxic, non-corrosive, and readily biodegradable. Classified as a mild irritant in concentrated powder form.

· Skin/Eye Contact: Dust may cause mild mechanical irritation. Rinse with water.

· Inhalation: Low hazard. Dust may cause respiratory tract irritation. Avoid creating dust clouds.

· Ingestion: Considered safe. It is approved as a food additive. Very low acute oral toxicity (LD50 > 10,000 mg/kg in rats).

· Environmental Impact: Readily biodegradable, posing minimal environmental risk. It is a preferred "green" alternative to phosphates and certain other chelators.

· Required PPE: Basic dust control (safety glasses, dust mask) for handling powder in industrial settings. No special chemical protective clothing typically needed.

· Handling Note: Handle as a low-hazard substance. Store in a cool, dry place.

Technical profile: